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The Lady in the Van

The true story of Miss Shepherd, an eccentric woman of uncertain origins, who 'temporarily' parked her broken-down van in writer Alan Bennett's London driveway for 15 years.

1970s Camden Town. Writer Alan Bennett's neighbours include the outspoken and unconventional Miss Shepherd, proudly residing in a van parked on the street. Offering space on his front drive for her vehicle begins a bizarre arrangement that he feels guilty about later exploiting in print. Acclaimed comedy drama from ´óÏó´«Ã½ Films based on actual events.

1 hour, 38 minutes

On TV

Christmas Day 2024 22:20

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony no.9 in D minor, op.125

  • Frédéric Chopin

    Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op.11: III. Rondo - Vivace

    Performer: Clare Hammond. Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra.
  • 00:06

    George Fenton

    Moving In

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:07

    George Fenton

    The New Van

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:09

    George Fenton

    Alive and Well

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:12

    George Fenton

    Re-Parking

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:14

    George Fenton

    Walk Through The Cemetery

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:21

    George Fenton

    Miss Shepherd's Waltz

  • 00:24

    George Fenton

    The Neighbours

  • 00:28

    George Fenton

    Special Paint

  • 00:43

    George Fenton

    Two Women - Tango

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • Frédéric Chopin

    Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op.11: III. Rondo - Vivace

    Performer: Clare Hammond. Orchestra: ´óÏó´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra.
  • 00:52

    George Fenton

    In Care

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 00:55

    George Fenton

    Broadstairs

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • Franz Schubert

    Impromptu in G Flat Major, Op. 90, No. 3

    Performer: Hannah Watson.
  • 01:05

    George Fenton

    Freewheeling

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 01:15

    George Fenton

    The Day Centre

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 01:27

    George Fenton

    A Sepulchre

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 01:29

    Kosheen

    Harder

  • 01:30

    George Fenton

    Collision and Confession

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 01:31

    George Fenton

    Remembering Miss Shepherd

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra.
  • 01:33

    George Fenton

    The Ascension (Miss Shepherd's Waltz)

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: George Fenton.
  • Triplet Twins

    Pretty Please

  • Hermann Langschwert & Wolfgang Killian 

    Liberty of Action

Credits

Role Contributor
Miss Shepherd Maggie Smith
Alan Bennett Alex Jennings
Mam Gwen Taylor
Underwood Jim Broadbent
Ursula Vaughan Williams Frances de la Tour
Miss Briscoe Cecilia Noble
Rufus Roger Allam
Pauline Deborah Findlay
Mr Fairchild David Calder
Giles Perry Nicholas Burns
Lois Claire Foy
Priest Dermot Crowley
Lady Wiggin Selina Cadell
Theatre Actor Dominic Cooper
Market Trader James Corden
Man with Earring Russell Tovey
Doctor Stephen Campbell Moore
Man in Confessional Clive Merrison
Director Nicholas Hytner
Writer Alan Bennett

Broadcasts

Featured in...

Interviews, production images and more

More on The Lady in the Van from the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Films team.

Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner in conversation

Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner in conversation

The film's writer and director talk to Francine Stock at the 2015 Hay Festival.